National Alliance of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (NACP)

Student Membership is open to individuals currently undertaking recognised counselling or psychotherapy training. It provides early access to professional resources, ethical guidance, and a supportive community as you progress through your studies.

Becoming a student member shows your commitment to ethical, client-centred practice from the very start of your career.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Be Enrolled in a Training Programme

You must be currently enrolled in a Level 4 Diploma or equivalent in counselling or psychotherapy.

Your course must include:

  • Face-to-face experiential learning, either in person or through secure video-based workshops
  • A blend of written assignments and formal assessments
  • Ethical and theoretical training appropriate to future client work
  • A practical placement component (current or upcoming) with access to supervision

Online, blended, or in-person formats are accepted, provided they meet professional training standards.

2. Be Preparing for or Participating in Supervised Clinical Work

You must either:

  • Be in the process of securing a supervised placement, or
  • Have already started supervised clinical work as part of your course requirements

3. Commit to Ethical Practice and Growth

As a student member, you agree to:

  • Follow the NACP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
  • Work under the supervision and direction of your training provider and placement organisation
  • Begin logging supervision and CPD hours once your placement starts
  • Use professional tools and resources to support your development

4. Be Covered by Training Provider Insurance (or Prepare to Get Your Own)

If you are in placement, you must:

  • Be covered by your training provider’s or placement provider’s insurance, or
  • Be prepared to acquire your own professional indemnity insurance when required
    (This is not mandatory at the point of joining but may be requested depending on placement setup)

5. Submit Proof of Study

You will need to provide:

  • A letter or email confirming current enrolment from your training provider, or
  • A copy of your student ID card with course and year clearly stated

What Student Members Get

  • Access to the NACP Member Toolkit
  • CPD log and supervision templates
  • Discounted supervision (with NACP supervisors)
  • Guidance on ethical practice, placement readiness, and professional standards
  • A clear path to Certified Membership upon qualification

How to Apply

If you are confident that you meet the criteria, you should purchase membership by clicking here. Once your payment is processed, a membership team member will make contact with a secure link for you to supply your evidence of eligibility.

If you are unsure whether you are eligible for membership please contact our team at membership@nacp.co.uk BEFORE purchasing membership through our site. Those who purchase membership and fail eligibility checks will receive a refund minus an administration fee of £30.